Over the past few years, I’ve enjoyed getting back into buying and using makeup. As a new mom, taking 5-15 minutes to apply makeup in the morning helped me to feel more put together. Plus, I found it’s a fun and quick way to express my creativity. But there is a downside to my new found hobby – it can be expensive!
My goal when I started to build up my makeup collection was to find the right makeup for my skin type, while not breaking the bank. I spent time researching and looking for the best websites and tricks to purchasing high-end makeup, and I’m about to share my top 10+ tips with you!
Tip 1: Sign up for Emails from your Favorite Brands
Did you know, that you don’t have to pay full price for high-end makeup? I repeat, you DO NOT need to pay full price. Most brands run sales on their websites. How do you gain access to these sales?
- Sign up for their emails to be notified of promotions
- Add Items to Your Cart:
- If there isn’t a sale running at the time; ask yourself if you can wait to purchase. Add the items you’re looking at to your cart and save them for later. There is a good chance you’ll receive an email with a discount code to help you complete your purchase.
Tip 2: Visit and Shop on Makeup Deal Websites
If you’re looking for a specific product, these websites may not work for you. Why? Each of these sites has a variety of discounted and discontinued products from brands, but they do not have the full collection. But, if you’re looking to expand your makeup collection and test out new products, these websites are a great place to start.
Tip 3: Wait for Sales at Sephora and Ulta
Sephora
Why would I include Sephora? Isn’t this the store I am trying to avoid if I don’t want to pay full price? The answer is yes, but you can find some good deals at Sephora.
- Read Their Weekly Sales Email:
Each week, Sephora sells a handful of products at a deep discount (up to 50% off). Remember to look at these emails because they may feature a product or brand you’ve wanted to purchase.
- Wait for their bi-annual VIB sale
Twice a year Sephora runs their VIB sale. During this sale, you can receive 15-20% off your entire purchase (depending on your member status).
Ulta
Ulta loves to run sales! Throughout the year, Ulta will send emails and mailers out for 20% off of any makeup (including prestigious) in their store.
- 21 Days of Makeup of Skincare
I LOVE these sales! Over the course of the 21 days, they feature a variety of drugstore and prestigious brands at discounts up to 50% off. For 21 days, there is a new sale every day. So you’ll want to plan ahead of time and know what days you want to shop, or you’ll miss out on the discounts.
Tip 4: Shop Holiday Kits
Holiday kits are a perfect way to test out a variety of makeup at a discount! If you can wait, I recommend purchasing these kits after the holiday season or on Black Friday. After the holidays, brands tend to sell these kits at deep discounts so they can clear them out of their inventory.
Tip 5: Sign Up for a Makeup Subscription Box
Subscription boxes are a quick and affordable way to grow your makeup collection. Birchbox, Ispy, and BoxyCharm are a few of the top makeup subscription services. The downside of these subscriptions is you’re not able to choose what makeup comes in your box. Want to learn more about my thoughts about BoxyCharm? Read my review here.
Tip 6: Sign up for Shoptagr – Your Personal Shopping Assistant
Shoptagr is easy to use. Once you create an account, mark what products you want to purchase, and they’ll notify you when the item goes on sale. I love that this program does work for you!
Tip 7: Sign up for Ebates
Sign up for Ebates and earn cash back every time you shop. All you need to do is check the site before you buy to see what discount is available and click their tracking button before you make your purchase. It’s as simple as that!
Tip 8: Shop at Local Discount Stores
Marshalls / TJMaxx
You can find SO many high-end makeup brands and both of these stores. Want to see what I picked up on a recent haul? Check out my blog post here.
The Cosmetic Outlet Store
Do you live near an outlet mall? Check to see if they have a cosmetic outlet store. The Cosmetic Outlet Store carries perfume, face care and makeup from prestigious brands like MAC, Tom Ford, Aveda, Clinique, Bobby Brown, Too Faced, Lancome, and more.
Tip 9: Purchase on Social Media Platforms
Join a Makeup Facebook Group(s)
Did you know there are Facebook groups dedicated to buying and selling new makeup? Members will list and sell makeup at up to 50%+ off the retail price. All you’ll need is a PayPal account to purchase.
Poshmark
Shop your favorite brands for makeup and clothing at up to 70% off. This platform allows you to buy and sell products. Each listing includes details on what is being sold and is another way to pick up makeup at a steal.
Tip 10: Buy Drugstore Makeup
Did you know that some drugstore makeup is better than high-end? (In fact, the majority of my makeup collection is from the drugstore.) If you need help trying to figure out what products you need to buy, watch YouTube videos. Beauty influencers are always testing out new brands and products and providing their recommendations.
There as so many ways to grow your makeup collection at a discount. What is your favorite way to purchase makeup? Let me know in the comments below!
*This post contains affiliate links
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